Gunbelt is too loose

[CaptQuirk]

I made a western gunslinger style belt and holster, but it doesn't fit quite right. I measured around my hips, and the length is right, but it still slips right off. Is there a secret to making these belts? Should I have cut the belt with a curve instead of straight cut?

[Dwight]

In one word, the answer is "Yes".

I always cut my gun belts with a curve, . . . as per John Bianchi, . . . so far they have all worked, except one.  Made a 53 inch one for a guy, . . . when he came to get it about 6 or 7 weeks later, . . . it was too small.  I had to get really creative and add a few inches to it so he could get it on.

What you might do is just reposition your belt tongue back far enough that you can cinch it up real good and tight.

The "rule" for these things that so far has never failed me:  take the belt the person wears, . . . measure it like you were going to make them a new dress belt, . . . add 4 full inches to the measurment, . . . his / her gunbelt will fit and not fall off.  Again, a bit of John Bianchi teaching.

The other thing you may do (I've seen several like this), . . . put a suede liner on it.  It won't take up much of the slack, . . . but they don't slide as easy either.

May God bless,

Dwight

[JLSleather]

Belts can be shortened fairly easily.  Lengthened not so easy.

 

[Dwight]

3 hours ago, JLSleather said:

Belts can be shortened fairly easily.  Lengthened not so easy.

 

Awwww, . . . c'mon JLS, . . . you need to get one of those patented Harbor Freight Belt Stretchers, . . . LOL

Look in your paper, . . . probably get a 20% off coupon, . . . and a free tape measure, . . . hard to beat.............

May God bless,

Dwight

Edited August 6, 2016 by Dwight

[plinkercases]

Like the old framer I trained with used to say... " I cut it three times and its still too short!"

Dwight are the Bianchi tips on the videos? I've been toying with getting the DVDs on occasion... I don't think has a holster making book does he? I have Blue Steel and Gun Leather but that's of course more about holster development.

 

[JLSleather]

They's prolly a y-tube (pronounced WHY-tube) video about shortenin' belts somewheres.  Thought from time to time about seein them dianchi videos for about 20 years now -- still haven't ruled it out

 

[Red Cent]

I always line the western gunbelt with suede.

Putting an acrylic sealer on the leather is akin to greasing sled tracks. And most SASS shooters position the belt fairly low.

[JLSleather]

How you finish them edges, Red?  Without actually holding one, I've always thought your rigs look good 'n' solid (in a impressive way).  So you DO use the acrylic, or no?

 

[Dwight]

16 hours ago, plinkercases said:

Like the old framer I trained with used to say... " I cut it three times and its still too short!"

Dwight are the Bianchi tips on the videos? I've been toying with getting the DVDs on occasion... I don't think has a holster making book does he? I have Blue Steel and Gun Leather but that's of course more about holster development.

 

I don't know for sure if this is it, . . . but I'd guess it was.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/John-Bianchi-Cowboy-Western-Gun-Holster-Making-4-DVD-Set-/321824695613?hash=item4aee3f253d:g:LiQAAOSwu4BVwlWZ

The tapes I had were a 3 tape set, . . . borrowed em, . . . had to get em back.

They were well worth the $75 bucks they wanted for them, . . . but I just took a bunch of notes, . . . and he did not REALLY want to sell them.

May God bless,

Dwight

[plinkercases]

Thanks Dwight. I think they will go on my  Christmas wish list for the kids to get me.

EDIT... but for $160 Canadian on amazon.ca I had better a really good boy this year.

I wonder if anyone of the forum has a set they are done learning from........? Perhaps I will post a WTB notice.

Edited August 6, 2016 by plinkercases